"Momentum represents a new way of doing business that is simple, transparent and upfront," said Rachel Richards, vice president, retail strategy, Sonic Automotive, Inc. (PRNewsFoto/Momentum Auto Dealers Oklahoma)

OKLAHOMA CITY and TULSA, Okla., Aug. 30, 2011/PRNewswire/ --Five area Sonic Automotive Dealerships are announcing a name change to support a new way of doing business effective immediately. The Momentum umbrella brand unites these established dealers and emphasizes Momentum's "UpFront Price" model, customer benefits program and nationwide inventory of 25,000 new and used cars.

"We're changing the names, but not the great service and staff already in place. The name change represents a new way of doing business that is simple, transparent and upfront to create a better customer experience," said Rachel Richards, vice president of retail strategy for Sonic Automotive, Inc. "For example, with Momentum's UpFront Price, you'll see the real price that real people have paid for that vehicle, right here in Oklahoma."

Oklahoma City's Steve Bailey Honda and Dub Richardson Toyota are now Momentum Honda Northwest and Momentum Toyota Northwest, respectively. Riverside Chevrolet and Riverside Toyota of Tulsa are now Momentum Chevrolet and Momentum Toyota of Tulsa. Speedway Chevrolet of Broken Arrow is now Momentum Chevrolet of Broken Arrow. All five dealerships share a new online presence at www.MomentumAutoOK.com.

To celebrate the new branding and UpFront brand promise, Momentum Auto Dealers Oklahoma is running a six-week social media contest called "Building Momentum" through which participants may qualify to win MP3 players, tablet PCs and even a new car. Momentum is mobilizing its digital assets across social channels including Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to drive traffic online and in stores.

"Our business starts online, because that's where our customers shop," said Richards. "The decision-making process starts at home in front of the computer, before the showroom visit. We're simplifying the buying experience to streamline the purchase process."

According to CNW Research, 41 percent of car dealers currently maintain Facebook pages. Momentum aims to capitalize on the social media marketing trend with robust content, attractive incentives and a brand promise that delivers.

Sonic Automotive, as a Fortune 500 company and member of the Russell 2000 Index, is among the largest automotive retailers in the United States. Dealerships provide comprehensive services, including sales of both new and used cars and light trucks, sales of replacement parts, performance of vehicle maintenance, warranty, paint and collision repair services, and arrangement of extended warranty contracts, financing and insurance for the company's customers. Sonic Automotive operates over 100 dealerships across 15 states and 26 major metropolitan markets, representing approximately 30 different automotive brands. Sonic is an industry-leading automotive retailer committed to providing customers with an outstanding automotive experience that is delivered with professionalism, integrity and enthusiasm.